As I walked onto Citi Field during batting practice (for my first Mets game), I couldn’t help but notice all the things that would seriously distract most Labrador Retrievers: Balls soaring across a grassy, inviting field. Humans running ‘zoomies’ at impeccable speeds around the bases. Players strutting around with wooden sticks—and using those sticks to launch the ball (very next-level fetch).
Basically, the humans were playing the most exciting game ever: Ball!
Meanwhile, Buddy sat calmly on the warning track, practicing the skill of not chasing the ball—a truly pro-level feat for a pup at Citi Field.
Named after Mets legend Buddy Harrelson, and also known as the MetsVetDog, Buddy is a one-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever mix who is currently training to become a service dog. His spot on the field was made possible thanks to a grant from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, led by team owner Alex Cohen, to America’s VetDogs, and his passionate volunteer puppy raisers, Sarah and Bob Zagaja, who have trained over eight service dogs (and counting).
The New York Mets were the first-ever MLB team to raise a future service dog with America’s VetDogs. Service dogs can cost over $50,000, but America’s VetDogs provides them to veterans, first responders, and people in need at no cost to the individual. To date, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation has funded $150,000 in grants to America’s VetDogs to support three service dogs in training.
“Citi Field has been a wonderful place for Buddy to learn. We have to teach him how to ignore people and food, and how to get used to loud noises — this is the perfect training ground for that,” Bob Zagaja said.
So, while the Mets train hard to make it to the top of their division, Buddy is right alongside them, working on spring training of his own. Buddy’s drills include maintaining consistent contact with his handler, socializing with the team and nearby fans, practicing commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “touch,” and getting exposed to sounds, people, and new scenarios. And of course, Buddy will get to fetch, too. Once he graduates and is matched with a veteran or first responder, his retrieval skills could go far beyond the standard ball—potentially including keys, phones, medication, even opening doors or turning on lights! America’s VetDogs trains its dogs to perform all sorts of specific tasks for humans.
Next, Buddy led me on a tour of Citi Field, where he met his fans and stepped up to the plate to show off more skills. While many dogs might spook at the sight of costumed mascots, escalators, and excited children, Buddy remained calm and confident. His handlers told me that’s one of his standout traits: he doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything.
Also, while I had ZERO self-control in the concession stand department, Buddy confidently walked right past a piece of hot dog lying on the ground—totally up for grabs—and didn’t even go in for a sniff! Buddy, seriously—how are you doing this?! Tell me your secrets!
Buddy has been training at the stadium for close to a year now, and it was clear this pup had a positive impact on the team—and a bright future ahead of him. The Zagajas shared how rewarding it is to help raise a service dog in training, and how America’s VetDogs is always looking for more dog lovers to support their mission.
“We’re motivated by the end result. We put a lot of time and effort into training Buddy, but in the end, he’ll be placed with a first responder or veteran who has a physical or emotional disability, and that changes their life. All the hard work will ultimately give someone the freedom they really deserve.”
After a long day of work, Buddy headed home to rest, and I made my way to the stands to catch the rest of the game. I was obviously a huge fan of Buddy, but as I sat there, inspired by the Mets’ mission to bring special dogs like Buddy into the ballpark to train, change lives, and spread joy to both fans and players, I found myself cheering for the humans on the field, as well.
Suddenly, I was a Mets fan, too!
